I am traveling to Italy in Aug for my honeymoon. We are staying in Rome and then traveling to Positano for 4 nights. Right now our plan is to go from Rome to Naples by train and then hop on the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento where we will have a private transfer to Positano. Of course, I have heard mixed reviews of the local train from Naples to Sorrento, but it is so much cheaper than a private transfer for the whole route from Naples to Sorrento. We will have probably one large backpack and a smaller bag each, of course with our valuables tucked away in money belts. We have traveled with this same amount of luggage all through NYC on new years eve, and I'm wondering if this will be a similar experience. Will it be relatively safe if we are extra cautious of our surroundings? We will probably be getting to Naples around 12PM on a Friday.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23325 posts
Sure - no worse than most other places. I would not wear a backpack in crowded situation where it is easy to get to.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32219 posts
Adam, First of all, congratulations! IMO, the Circumvesuviana is safe, but there certainly could be pickpockets. As long as you take "normal" precautions and watch your bags, you should be fine. The trains won't inspire much confidence when you first see them. They look like "old graffiti-laden clunkers" but they'll get you to Sorrento. Note that the Circumvesuviana has several routes so be sure to get the correct one for Sorrento (which is the end-of-the-line on that route). Happy travels!
Posted by
Port Townsend, WA, USA
99 posts
Yes, it's safe. We took it several times: from Naples to Sorrento, from Sorrento to Pompeii and return, from Sorrento to Ercolano and return, and from Sorrento to Naples. On the trips between Sorrento and Naples we had our luggage with us. We had to stand going to Sorrento because the Napoli Garibaldi station is not the end of the line. Returning, we were able to sit. If you use common sense, you'll be fine. My husband felt a hand reaching into his pocket, but his pocket was empty (most of our money was safely in moneybelts), so the pickpocket got nothing. OTOH, if your purse is dangling over your shoulder, don't be surprised if your wallet is taken. Musicians (of varying quality) board the train and request money, but they accepted "no" graciously.
The ride is about 55 minutes.
Posted by
Bellevue, WA
257 posts
IMO the Circumvesuviana train is safer than the NYC subway.
Have a good trip!
Posted by
goldsboro, nc, usa
101 posts
No worries, enjoy!! The Amalfi coast is fabulous!!